ANKARA - Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that policy to be pursued by Turkish delegation in Cyprus talks in New York had been set at the end of cooperation and compromise of all concerned parties of the issue.
Speaking in the meeting of Justice and Development Party (AK Party) at parliament, Erdogan said that fair and lasting solution of Cyprus issue within the framework of a certain schedule was one of urgent and vital issues Turkey was dealing with.
Erdogan said, ''therefore, we have shown highest sensitivity prior to the talks and we have made our preparations in close consultation and cooperation with all our concerned institutions. We negotiated these preparations with not only Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas but also TRNC Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and parties represented at parliament.''
Participants from Turkey and TRNC confirmed common target to reach a fair and lasting solution in Cyprus in the meeting held in Ankara on February 4, Erdogan recalled.
Erdogan went on saying, ''also, I personally expressed our opinions to not only U.S. President George Bush but also United Nations (U.N.) Secretary General Kofi Annan during my visit to the United States. As you know, talks started with participation of all concerned sides in New York the previous day and they continue.''
''We hope that a beneficial outcome for not only TRNC but also Greek Cypriot side will be reached at the end of talks and thus, a solution will be reached. We have put forward our good will from the outset and continue to do so. TRNC has some sensitivities that can't be given up. I believe we have fulfilled our responsibilities for a fair and lasting solution in Cyprus. I think sides have started to share this understanding. If it is shared, important steps for a solution will be taken,'' Erdogan said.
Erdogan continued, ''policy of Turkish side in New York has been set within the scope of cooperation and compromise. Many different views are written and expressed. We are taking our steps in line with these talks taking lessons from the past. Dynamic processes require a dynamic diplomacy. Everybody should know that policy of Turkish side is being formed with participation of all concerned parties during talks as it was prior the talks and as it will be from now on.''
''As government, we have always been aware that Cyprus issue is a national cause and we are aware of our responsibility. Those who don't feel this responsibility so far can't see and understand it. Criticisms of our stance are all unfair, baseless and unfortunately, a lie. Those who attack on the government from every rostrum in such an important negotiation process should think much about what they are doing. Those who haven't said anything on Cyprus issue so far are making Cyprus issue a tool for election without being ashamed,'' Erdogan said.
Addressing those people ''from the rostrum of the nation'', Erdogan said, ''if you have any word that can contribute to solution of problems of this country, please tell us so that we will benefit from your views. Otherwise, don't try to cause any disorder for your own political interests. We don't have any secret and we haven't promised anything to anybody and to our nation which we can't explain.''
Erdogan stated that speech expected to be made by Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul at parliament was postponed due to developments in New York.
(BRC-AÖ) 11.02.2004